Anita Annet Among: The Master Strategist Behind Uganda’s Parliamentary Alliances gets slashed

There’s some opposition MPs whose campaigns were fully sponsored by AAA!

Most if not all independent MPs received support from her too and equally some NRM ones too.

She was sure about ‘Spewkership’ & was campaigning that early! Chairman ne Difensi b’ekyaaro banyiivu bitya!

Anita Annet Among: The Master Strategist Behind Uganda’s Parliamentary Alliances?

In the high-stakes world of Ugandan politics, few figures have demonstrated the art of cross-aisle networking quite like Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, the Speaker of the outgoing Parliament and Bukedea Woman MP. As the 12th Parliament prepares to elect its leadership on May 25, 2026, revelations and rumours about her pre-election influence continue to swirl painting a picture of a shrewd political operator who left few stones unturned.

Cross-Party Sponsorship and Early Positioning

According to political insiders and observers, Among’s influence extended well beyond her core NRM base during the 2026 election campaigns. Reports suggest that several opposition MPs, a significant number of independent candidates, and even some NRM contestants received campaign support — financial, logistical, or otherwise linked to her network and this could be the reason why she was not given chance to even fight back in case she is dropped. Trusted sources show that she would be arrested and charged if she dares comes back against NRM.

This was not mere charity. Among was reportedly positioning herself aggressively for the Speakership from early on. By building relationships across divides, she cultivated a broad base of “friendly faces” in the House. Many independents, in particular, have since gravitated towards the NRM orbit under her guidance. Out of roughly 69 independent MPs in the 12th Parliament, a large majority (reports cite 62 or more showing interest) have expressed willingness to cooperate with the ruling party, with Among playing a central coordinating role as the self-described “Dean of Independents.”

She has hosted delegations, facilitated Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and reassured independents of their place within the broader NRM family even while they technically retain their independent status. This strategic consolidation has significantly bolstered numbers for the ruling party in Parliament.

The Speakership Gamble and Current Drama

Among entered the post-election period with strong momentum. The NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) had endorsed her and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for re-election. The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), associated with Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, initially threw its weight behind the pair as well.

However, the landscape shifted dramatically in recent weeks or call it days. PLU officially withdrew its endorsement, directing members to await guidance from President Museveni and the NRM CEC. Factors cited include public outrage over Among’s reported acquisition of a luxurious Rolls-Royce (valued at around Shs 3.4 billion), rapid wealth accumulation, and ongoing probes into asset declarations by the Inspectorate of Government.

Muhoozi himself weighed in publicly, highlighting issues of extravagance versus public welfare. Other names, including Jacob Oboth-Oboth (Minister of Defence), Norbert Mao, and others, have emerged as potential alternatives. Reports even suggest Among was advised at State House to consider stepping aside amid the controversies.

Despite the turbulence, Among’s allies  including Justine Nameere  have pushed back strongly, vowing that she will remain Speaker “by hook or by crook.” Among herself has distanced from presidential ambitions, stating she plans to retire from active politics in 2031 and will support the President’s preferred successor but this did not live to see light as she fell out with presidential authority.